The early results suggest Patriots coach Bill Belichick is enjoying this trip to Indianapolis more than any other.

It was evident Sunday when Belichick cracked a smile during his first news conference of Super Bowl week, shortly after the Patriots’ arrival. It was even more evident when Belichick turned downright jovial when asked about the hospitality in Indianapolis.

Not only was Belichick humorous in a way the general public doesn’t often see, but it seemed he was even amusing himself with his personal brand of self-deprecation.

“I never had too much hospitality here, until I went for it on fourth-and-2,” Belichick explained. “Since then, I’ve been greeted in a lot more friendly manner than I ever was in the past.”

Take that, press-conference critics. Belichick was nearly endearing while referencing one of his biggest coaching gaffes, his failed decision to attempt a fourth-down conversion from his own 28-yard line during a 2009 game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

We’re guessing it’s the fifth Super Bowl appearance — not the menu on the team’s charter flight or the bus ride from the airport — that has Belichick so chipper. We’ll see what the rest of the week holds.

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